The Living Will

Today I made my living will.
I don’t want any life-support
system to prolong my life.
I don’t want to be connected
to a ventilator for a few more
days of machine-assisted life.

I don’t want to be intubated,
nor do I want to be resuscitated.
I don’t want to be exhibited,
nor do I want to be honored.

I want my body to be cremated.
I don’t want it to be buried
and become food for worms.
I want fire to turn my body to ashes
in minutes, rather than a long burial.

I want “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen
to be played during the cremation.
I want my ashes placed in my family tomb
so that I can be with my kin.

I have made peace with my kith and kin.
I have asked forgiveness from those I wronged,
and forgiven those who wronged me.

I want nobody to mourn my death.
I had a good life, and I am leaving gladly.
I want everyone to celebrate my death
as they celebrated my birth.

I don’t want tears and wails,
I want smiles and laughter.
That is all I want,
and I hope you will give it.